Breaking News: Shawne Merriman Had Too Much Tequila

At 3:45 a.m. on Sept. 6, San Diego deputies responded to a distress call from reality TV star Tila Tequila, claiming she had been choked and thrown to the ground by her boyfriend, San Diego Chargers three-time Pro-Bowl linebacker, Shawne Merriman.

Merriman, 25, was arrested Sunday after Tequila signed a citizen's arrest warrant, charging him with battery and false imprisonment.

The star linebacker was taken into custody and was booked in the central jail at 8:30 a.m. He was released shortly afterwards at 11 a.m., although it is still unknown whether he posted bail or was released on his own recognizance.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman, Jan Caldwell, stated that Tequila had been drinking (go figure), that she was not sure if Merriman had been, that there were other people in the house, but was not sure if any of Shawne's teammates were.

Tequila was taken to a hospital but her condition has not been released.

Merriman did not respond to two emails regarding the issue, and when asked by the Associated Press, his agent Tom Condon replied that he was not even aware of the arrest.

So is Tequila okay? Did Merriman post bail?

More importantly, what does this mean for the NFL? What does this mean for the projected AFC west champs, San Diego Chargers? Will Merriman be suspended after the legal issues settle? Only time will tell.

A.J. Smith, the GM of the Chargers, had this to say about the case. "It's disappointing to hear about the issue involving Shawne Merriman. We'll continue to monitor the situation and let the legal process run its course."